Changes to Guiding Principles – implemented for racing from 1 December 2016

The following changes and clarifications to the Guiding Principles of the Harness Racing New Zealand Ratings System were recommended by the Handicapping Sub-Committee at its November meeting and latterly ratified by the Board.

These specific changes will take effect from 1 December 2016, following communication with participants.

The “floor” or lowest possible Rating to be raised from 35 to 40.

Any horse earning a stake of $2,000 or more of an Official Race shall be subject to an increase in Rating by a minimum of one point, at the discretion of the Handicapper.

A win by a filly or mare in any Official Race may be subject to Discretion when being re-rated by the Handicapper. This is in addition to the concessions afforded in fillies and mares only races.

Any race-winning horse winning a race from a Rating below 50 will incur sufficient penalty to elevate said horse at least 50 rating points.  For example: a horse winning a $7,000 race as a R41 will incur a 9 point re-rating. The intention is to ensure this horse is removed, at least for a short period of time, from the “conditioned” environment it was in.

Any horse rated 49 or less placing (second, third or fourth) in a race, other than a non-winners’ race, may be subject to a Ratings increase of at least 1 point – at the discretion of the Handicapper.

Trotters will be subject to a 6 point increase for a win in races worth less than $9,000 and 8 points for a win in a race $9,000 to $19,999. This may alter depending on any Concessions or Penalty Free Conditions that may apply to the race concerned. Reasoning: under the current structure, due to the smaller pool of horses, those experiencing early success in their careers have tended to be thrust to a relatively high level of competition in comparison to pacers.

Junior Drivers races shall become completely Penalty Free. From the start of the season these races were subject to a concession only (minimum of four points). To be fair on those horses that have won Junior Drivers Rating Concession races in the North Island, horses will be retrospectively re-rated to ensure they have been given their Penalty Free win. This change takes effect from 1 December and implemented at the conclusion of racing the week prior.



A further proposal to enhance junior drivers’ opportunities requiring regulatory change is being considered. To include the Upper North Island as an area that can have races programmed as “Regional” Junior Driver races, whereby designated races can carry a Rating Penalty Free win if the winner is driven by a junior driver and aged 4YO or older and not previously won a Penalty Free drivers’ race. This is being referred to the HRNZ Board’s December meeting.

The above, immediate changes and some others will be added to the official Guiding Principles. The Guiding Principles will also be expanded to provide greater detail and information as to the methodology of Handicapping within the Ratings system.

Andrew Morris
HRNZ Handicapper